Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
Weekly PA Environment Digest Newsletter
September 27, 2021 Issue #897
(9/27/2021)
* 39 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA

Here are 39 new stories in the PA Environment Digest about individuals, groups, local governments, farmers, businesses, watershed groups and many more working all across Pennsylvania to restore and protect the environment and show others the beauty that surrounds us.

* Registration Now Open For Statewide Watershed Conference On Nov. 7-8; New Live Webinars Nov. 10-11

The PA Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR) is excited to announce registration is open for the combined hybrid (in-person/virtual) Statewide Watershed Conference on November 7-8 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel and Conference Center in State College.

* Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited Volunteers Breathe Life Into Broken Trout Waters In Dauphin County

By Tyler Frantz, Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited

* PA Environmental Council To Honor Franklin Kury, Andrew Johnson, Bartram’s Garden Nov. 3 In Philadelphia

The PA Environmental Council will honor Franklin Kury and Andrew Johnson with Curtin Winsor Awards and Bartram’s Garden with their Special Places Award at the November 3 Environmental Partners Dinner in Philadelphia.

* Great Lakes Protection Fund Announces 2021 Leadership Award Winners, Including 2 From Pennsylvania

On September 21, the Great Lakes Protection Fund announced the winners of the 2021 Great Lakes Leadership Award

* Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announce 2021 Award Recipients

On September 21, the Northeast PA Environmental Partners announced their 2021 award recipients.  The winners will be recognized November 10 at a virtual awards celebration.

* PA Resources Council To Honor Former DEP Secretary David Hess With The Fox Calhoun Award At Virtual Awards Celebration Oct. 14

The Pennsylvania Resources Council will present its most prestigious honor – the Fox Calhoun Award – to environmental trailblazer David Hess at its annual Awards Celebration held Thursday, October 14, in virtual format.

* Timothy & Amanda Maxwell Partner With French & Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust To Protect Over 57 Acres In Chester County

Timothy and Amanda Maxwell partnered with the French and Pickering Creeks Conservation Trust to permanently preserve a 57.4 acre property slated for a housing development in West Vincent Township, Chester County.

* Lancaster Farmland Trust Preserves 130-Acre Stoltzfus Farm In Drumore Township

The Lancaster Farmland Trust has announced the preservation of the Stoltzfus Farm, a 130 acre farm in Drumore Township, Lancaster County, completely surrounded by neighboring farmland.

* Allgyer Family Partners With Lancaster Farmland Trust To Preserve 92-Acre Farm in Salisbury Township

The Allgyer Family has partnered with the Lancaster Farmland Trust to permanently preserve the 92-acre Allgyer Farm that sits between neighboring farmland, wooded areas, and various unnamed tributaries in rural Salisbury Township.

* Stephanie Noberini & Brent Meyer Partner With Heritage Conservancy To Preserve 34 Acres In Bucks County

The Heritage Conservancy has facilitated the placement of a conservation easement on approximately 34-acres of land in Haycock Township, Bucks County, realizing the preservation goals of both the past and present owners.

* Gov. Wolf Releases 2021 Update To PA Climate Action Plan, Calls For Statewide Action Now On Climate Change

On September 22, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021 and called for statewide action on climate change by all sectors: legislative, government, industry, business, agriculture, and community organizations.

* DCNR Announces Climate And Sustainability Plan Will Take Presque Isle State Park To Net Zero In Erie

On September 20, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the Climate and Sustainability Plan for Presque Isle State Park in Erie, which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary, will take the park to net zero energy.

* Philadelphia Energy Authority Completes First Rooftop Solar Program For Low- And Moderate-Income Homeowners

On September 23, the Philadelphia Energy Authority joined City, State and Federal leadership today to announce the completion of the City's first rooftop solar program for low- and moderate-income homeowners.

* Guest Essay: Clean Energy: It’s Time To Embrace Climate Change As A Moral And Spiritual Challenge Of Unparalleled Import

By Rev. Dr. Wayne M. Weathers

* New Kensington, Westmoreland County Launches Downtown Sustainability Stroll To Show Connection To History, U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

By Penn State News

* DEP/DCNR/DCED Brownfields To Playfields Program Celebrates Opening Of Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park, Susquehanna County

On September 21, state agency representatives, local officials from Susquehanna Depot Borough and other stakeholders held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Ira Reynolds Riverfront Park in Susquehanna County that was developed as part of the state’s Brownfields to Playfields Program.

* 2 Piping Plover Chicks Took Flight From Presque Isle State Park Marking 5th Year Of Nesting Success

Two piping plover chicks took flight in August from the shores of Presque Isle State Park, Erie County, after a challenging season, marking the fifth consecutive year of nesting success for this federal and state endangered sparrow-sized shorebird.

* All Articles & NewsClips In This Week’s Digest By Topic

Links to all the articles and NewsClips in this week’s PA Environment Digest by topic in one place--

* More Than 60 Environmental Groups, Green Party Of PA Oppose Road Dumping Of Oil & Gas Drilling Wastewater On Rural PA Roads

More than 60 environmental and citizen groups, along with the Green Party of Pennsylvania, expressed their opposition to the road dumping of oil and gas drilling wastewater on rural Pennsylvania roads by signing on to a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection.

* Well Done Foundation, Seneca Resources Partner On Orphaned Well Plugging Project In McKean County

On September 22, the Well Done Foundation announced it is working with Seneca Resources on the Foundation's first eastern U.S. orphaned gas well plugging project in Bradford, McKean County.

* PUC Extends Deadline For Comments On Electric Storage Policies To Nov. 29

The Public Utility Commission published notice in the August 28 PA Bulletin inviting additional comments on the issue of energy storage resources as electric distribution assets. Read more here.

* DCNR Secretary: American Rescue Fund Dollars One Option To Address $1 Billion State Parks, Forests Maintenance Project Backlog, Paying Back Oil & Gas Fund

On September 22, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn told DCNR’s Conservation and Natural Resources Advisory Council one way to address the $1 billion backlog in maintenance and safety projects in State Parks and Forests was to use federal American Rescue Fund dollars.

* NFWF Announces $11.5 Million In Conservation Grants To Restore Delaware Watershed; PA Grants Total $4.5 Million

On September 20, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation announced the award of 41 grants totaling nearly $11.5 million to clean up and restore polluted waters, enhance fish and wildlife habitat, and increase access to nature throughout the Delaware River watershed.

* Penn State Extension: Help Celebrate Riparian Buffer Month In October!

By Kristen Koch, Penn State Agriculture & Environment Center

* Penn State Extension: Hurricane Ida’s Impact On Spring Creek Forested Buffer In Dauphin County

By Dr. Tyler A. Groh, Penn State Extension

* Help Wanted: Western PA Conservancy/DCNR TreeVitalize Program Supervisor

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources' Bureau of Forestry, seeks a highly motivated, driven, and well-organized individual to help promote and manage urban and community forestry efforts in Pennsylvania.

* Interns Wanted: DCNR Watershed Forestry Team - 2 Intern Positions

DCNR's Watershed Forestry Team is seeking qualified candidates for two internship positions available this fall.

* Water4Ag Groups In Potter, Tioga, Mifflin Counties Share Accomplishments

By Nicole Santangelo, Walt Whitmer, Kathryn Brasier, Johathan Laughner, Virginia Ishler and Weston Eaton Penn State Extension

* World Water Monitoring Day Celebrates Importance Of Water Quality Testing

By Justin Mansberger, Penn State Extension 

* Penn State Extension Welcomes 2 New Master Watershed Stewardship Coordinators: Lake Erie, Lower Susquehanna

By Erin Frederick, Statewide Master Watershed Steward Coordinator

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Adopts Final Changes To Groundwater Withdrawal Rules; Pre-Drilling Water Well Site Review, 2 Other Policies

On September 17, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission took action to adopt changes to its groundwater withdrawal regulations and policies covering pre-drilling water well reviews, hydro geologic evaluations and aquifer testing.

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Seeks Design Contractor For Mine Drainage Treatment Plant In Tioga County

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission published notice in the September 25 PA Bulletin seeking a design contractor for a mine drainage treatment plant near Blossburg Borough, Tioga County.

* DCNR, Agriculture, Fire Commissioner Urge Citizens To Practice Fire Safety As Fall Wildfire Season Gets Underway

On September 24, the departments of Conservation and Natural Resources and Agriculture and the State Fire Commissioner visited Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County to highlight the growing risks wildfires pose to recreational sites, personal property, and critical industries throughout the Commonwealth.

* U.S. Endowment For Forestry & Communities Seeking Proposals To Promote Sustainable Change In Working Forests

The U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities seeks to make program-related investments in projects and investments that advance systemic, transformative and sustainable change for the health and vitality of working forests and forest-reliant communities in the U.S.

* Bay Journal: Pennsylvania Creates 35 Secret Sanctuaries To Protect Rare Plants

By Ad Crable, Chesapeake Bay Journal

* PennDOT Accepting Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant Applications Thru Nov. 5

The Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for Multimodal Transportation Fund Grants through November 5.  (formal notice)

* Sept. 24 Take Five Fridays With Pam Now Available From PA Parks & Forests Foundation

The September 24 Take Five Fridays With Pam is now available from the PA Parks & Forests Foundation.

* DEP Sets Virtual Nov. 9 Hearing On Proposed Cleanup Plan For Bishop Tube Hazardous Waste Site In Chester County [Hazardous Sites Cleanup Funding Goes Off Fiscal Cliff This Year]

The Department of Environmental Protection announced it will hold a virtual hearing November 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. on the proposed cleanup plan for the Bishop Tube Hazardous Waste Site in East Whiteland Township, Chester County (PA Bulletin page 6212).

* Keep PA Beautiful: Celebrate National Public Lands Day By Participating In Pick Up Pennsylvania

Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is seeking volunteers to participate in Pick Up Pennsylvania as a way to celebrate National Public Lands Day on September 25.

* PA Resources Council To Hold Household Chemical Collection Event Oct. 9 In Beaver County

On October 9, the Pennsylvania Resources Council, in partnership with the Beaver County Department of Sustainability and Waste Management, will host a household chemical collection event to provide Pennsylvania residents with an opportunity to safely and cost effectively dispose of common chemicals such as cleaners, paints, stains and varnishes, batteries, motor oil and pesticides. 

* PA Recycling Markets Center, Penn State, DEP Host Oct. 7-8 Research Showcase Featuring World Renowned Microplastics Expert Dr. Sylvia Earle As Keynote

The PA Recycling Markets Center, in collaboration with Penn State Harrisburg and the Department of Environmental Protection, will host the in-person and virtual 2021 Research Showcase on October 7-8 at the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre at Penn State Harrisburg in Middletown, Dauphin County.

* Educational Opportunities for Students & Adults

Opportunities to learn more about environmental and energy issues affecting Pennsylvania for students and adults--

* DEP Begins Accepting Applications For Environmental Education Grants Sept. 25

The Department of Environmental Protection announced it will begin accepting applications for Environmental Education Grants on September 25.  The deadline for applications is December 10.  (formal notice)

* Richard King Mellon Foundation Now Accepting Applications For Grants To Encourage The Recruitment, Retention Or Reactivation Of Hunters, Anglers And Outdoor Enthusiasts

The Richard Kind Mellon Foundation is now accepting applications for Conservation Program Activation Grants to support efforts to use conservation assets to stimulate sustainable economic growth in rural communities through the recruitment, retention or reactivation (R3) of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts.

* Pisces Foundation Now Accepting Applications For Environmental Education & Outdoor Learning Infrastructure Grants

The Pisces Foundation’s Environmental Education Program has announced a new funding opportunity for environmental and outdoor learning in the United States.   Concept notes are due October 29.

* Benefits And Challenges Of Lawn Conversion, Native Landscaping For Landowners, Local Officials Webinar Oct. 12

Penn State Extension is hosting a free October 12 webinar on the Benefits And Challenges Of Lawn Conversion, Native Landscaping For Landowners, Local Officials from 10:00 a.m. to Noon.

* Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council Hosts Buffer Certification Courses For Riparian Buffer Month In October

The Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council is hosting a series of buffer certification courses in October to help celebrate Riparian Buffers Month.

* Join The 5th Annual Walk In Penn's Woods On October 3

Pennsylvanians of all ages are invited to get out and explore a piece of our state’s 12 million acres of forestland during the 5th annual Walk in Penn’s Woods on Sunday, October 3.

* Penn State Extension Sustainable Timber Harvesting Workshop Oct. 26 At DCNR's Tiadaghton State Forest District Office, Lycoming County

Penn State Extension, in partnership with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, will host a Sustainable Timber Harvesting Workshop on October 26 at DCNR's Tiadaghton State Forest District Office in Waterville, Lycoming County from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* Penn State Extension Hosts 5-Part Water Webinar Series For Homeowners

Penn State Extension is hosting a five-part Water Webinar Series on a variety of topics of interest to homeowners.  The webinars include--

* Susquehanna River Basin Commission Hosts Oct. 14 Webinar On Revised Regulations, Policies, Updated Natural Gas Program

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission will host an October 14 webinar on Revised Regulations and Policies to Make Its Permit Processes More Efficient starting at 1:00 p.m.

* Susquehanna Greenway Partnership: What In The World Is The Susquehanna River Water Trail?

The mighty Susquehanna River is recognized in Pennsylvania for many reasons, but few identify our treasured river for its very special state recognition as Pennsylvania’s largest water trail system.

* Amped 2021: Learn The Benefits Of Electric Vehicle Use In Sept. 27 Webinar

The departments of Environmental Protection and Transportation are hosting a September 27 webinar on How State Government Is Supporting More Electric Vehicle Use from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

* PennTAP Hosts Oct. 21 Small Business Energy Cost Savings & Reduction Calculator Toolkits Webinar

The Penn State Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program will host a Small Business Energy Cost Savings and Reduction Calculator Toolkits webinar on October 21 starting at 11:00 a.m.

* News From PA House & Senate

The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

* Senate, House Members Call For Early Action On Bills To Require State To Reach 100% Renewable Energy Generation By 2050

On September 21, members of the Senate and House called for early action on legislation-- House Bill 100 and Senate Bill 872--  to require Pennsylvania to reach 100 percent renewable energy generation by 2050.

* House Committee Meets Sept. 27 On Bill To End Rulemaking, Public Participation During Certain Declared Emergencies

The House State Government Committee is scheduled to meet September 27 to consider Senate Bill 533 (Yaw-R- Lycoming) would prohibit any public participation in state agency rulemaking and policy making processes during a declared state emergency and prohibits agencies from adopting regulations unrelated to the emergency.

* Senate Bill 832: Fake Solution To Nutrient Pollution Promoted By Bait & Switch

Senate Bill 832 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) that would allocate $250 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to establish a Clean Streams Fund for Pennsylvania seems like a good bill.  It will be considered by the Senate Environmental Committee on September 28.  Read more here.

* Senate Committee Meets Sept. 28 On Bills Allocating A Portion Of American Rescue Fund Monies For Local Environmental Improvement Projects + Fake Solution To Nutrient Pollution

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee is scheduled to meet September 28 on legislation that would allocate a portion of the $5 billion Pennsylvania has available in federal American Rescue Fund monies for local environmental improvement projects.

* CANCELED: House Committee Meets Sept. 29 To Consider Bill To Control Overuse Of Fertilizer On Turf

CANCELED: The House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee is scheduled to meet September 29 to consider Senate Bill 251 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) which sets standards for the application of fertilizer to turf, provides for the certification of professional fertilizer applicators and for labeling and an education program.

* Center For Rural Pennsylvania Holds Oct. 1 Hearing On Solar Development In Rural PA At Shippensburg University

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania, chaired by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, will hold a public hearing on October 1 to explore current policy approaches to solar development in rural Pennsylvania, and matters to consider when beginning and ending/decommissioning a solar project.

* The Feds

Articles and NewsClips about federal actions impacting Pennsylvania--

* Gov. Wolf Announces Bedford, Northampton Counties Approved For Federal Disaster Assistance From Hurricane Ida

On September 24, Gov. Tom Wolf announced President Biden approved the addition of Bedford and Northampton counties to the major disaster declaration following Hurricane Ida.

* Presidents Of PA Farm Bureau, Farm Groups In Chesapeake Bay Watershed Call For USDA To Create $737 Million Resilient Farms Initiative

In a letter dated September 15, the presidents of the Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia Farm Bureaus called on U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to create a program called the Chesapeake Bay Resilient Farms Initiative (CRFI) to direct $737 million in conservation assistance to farmers in local watersheds “known to have the greatest influence on the Chesapeake Bay and offer the most cost-effective solutions.”

* Public Participation Opportunities/Calendar Of Events

Click Here for a list of public participation opportunities and a calendar of events.

* Grants & Awards

Click Here for grants, awards, recognition programs and contest deadlines.

* PA Bulletin

Highlights of the environmental and energy notices in the latest PA Bulletin--

* Stories Invited - About PA Environment Digest

Send your stories, photos and links to videos about your project, environmental issues or programs for publication in the PA Environment Digest to: PaEnviroDigest@gmail.com.

* PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference - Oct. 27-28

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Virtual PA Abandoned Mine Reclamation Conference to be held October 27-28.  Click Here to register.

* PA Statewide Watershed Conference - Nov. 7-8, Webinars Nov. 10-11

PA Environment Digest is a proud sponsor of the 2021 Statewide Watershed Conference hosted by the PA Organization of Watersheds and Rivers on November 7-8, with special webinars on November 10-11.

* Supporting Member PA Organization For Watersheds & Rivers; PA Outdoor Writers Assn.; PA Trout Unlimited

PA Environment Digest is a supporting member of the PA Organization for Watersheds & Rivers, PA Outdoor Writers Association, PA Council Trout Unlimited and the Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited.

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